Red Hair hadn't truly intended for Zi Ye to come to Tamma to watch the legionary skirmishes; she was simply incensed that An Jun Lie stood beside Zi Ye like a protector, yet told her nothing. As the Director of Strategic Weapons, the Strategic Weapons Department couldn't afford to operate in a vacuum; they needed to constantly monitor the interstellar situation, otherwise, how could they generate profit or strengthen their power?

Regardless of his reasons, what An Jun Lie had done felt excessive. Hence, she offered Zi Ye a "well-intentioned" reminder.

Regarding Zi Ye's request, Red Hair naturally agreed without hesitation. "Four?

That few? No problem.

I’ll have Jiu Shou give them a thorough whacking when the time comes, haha." Zi Ye smiled. "Then I'll have to trouble you.

By the way, do you have any insights regarding the battleship mechas from this engagement? Or any specific weapon requirements?

We can tailor our development to meet your needs." Red Hair nodded. "Fine, I’ll send it over later." She quickly organized her recent observations and immediately identified a flaw.

"Three academies for the Strategic Weapons Department aren't enough; you’re missing a very crucial research institute." Zi Ye paused, slightly startled. "What's missing?

Which one?" Red Hair replied, "Ammunition Research." Zi Ye was suddenly jolted. How could she have forgotten such a vital department!

Thinking of ammunition, she couldn't help but feel ashamed. For so long since Wolf's Den was established, they had to buy even the most common cruise missiles on the market.

During the war, Da Tou, Hei Hu Zi, and Red Hair had all engaged in the business of reselling ammunition, using some for themselves, which led her to overlook this fundamental need. It was a stroke of luck that Red Hair reminded her.

Cold sweat beaded on Zi Ye's brow. She didn't have time for further discussion with Red Hair and abruptly cut the hypersignal transmission.

Robotics, Mecha, Warships, Ammunition—four academies. Ammunition was the area Zi Ye was most unfamiliar with.

There used to be an ammunition specialist on Silver Rune Star, but after leaving, that expert didn't stay with Wolf's Den but instead pursued an independent living. Perhaps she could invite him back?

Even bringing him back wouldn't be nearly enough. Sigh.

Zi Ye let out a long breath. An Jun Lie, sitting beside her, noticed the change in her expression.

Thinking she was upset because he hadn't told her about Bai Lan Xue, he sat quietly beside her. Later, seeing her drafting plans for the Ammunition Research Institute on the light screen, he finally relaxed.

He motioned for a robot to retrieve two cans of rose hip jelly from the room, preparing them as her late-night snack. The moment he moved, Zi Ye sensed it.

She looked up and glared at him. "What are you doing?" An Jun Lie obediently settled back into his seat.

"Nothing much. Are you done?" Zi Ye retorted, "Don't change the subject.

What exactly was Red Hair talking about? You went to cause trouble for Bai Lan Xue and didn't tell me?" An Jun Lie spread his hands.

"You know about the cooperation between the Angelic Domain, Wolf's Den, and the Tang Clan. After Fia had her incident, we saw an opportunity and gathered again to oppose the Interstellar Federation.

That’s all. The war just ended, and the Unification Department is watching closely, so we couldn't make any grand moves.

That's why we mainly sent pirates to act. I wasn't directly involved this time, so I don't know many details, hence why I didn't tell you." Zi Ye stared at him steadily.

"Heh heh." An Jun Lie took her hand. "Don't smile like that, alright?" Zi Ye shot him a sidelong glance.

Suddenly struck by an idea, he stood up and began taking off his clothes. Zi Ye was startled.

"What are you doing?" An Jun Lie didn't answer, his back to her as he slowly unbuttoned his shirt and finally slipped it off. "Do you see the scars on my back?" Zi Ye pretended to be unconcerned.

"What are you trying to say?" She had seen that scar on his back long ago; it was extremely grotesque, a sight that made her heart clench. An Jun Lie put his clothes back on and sat beside her, gazing into her eyes.

"This scar was inflicted by Bai Lan Xue years ago with an Aurora Blade. The reason I never had it removed was to constantly remind myself not to forget the hatred.

Now, the Interstellar Federation's strength is only half of what it once was; we could perfectly strike while she is weak. Yet, I didn't participate in this recent cooperation.

Do you know why?" Zi Ye vaguely sensed what he was leading up to. "Tell me." An Jun Lie sighed.

"Living in space, you can never guarantee absolute safety. Even for ordinary people, it's almost impossible to avoid trouble entirely.

For example, a regular interstellar bus might end up destroying everyone aboard just because of some contraband item or one unusual passenger. Perhaps during the recent war, we also harmed many innocent people who never even knew who we were.

Who should they hate for the rest of their lives?" Zi Ye raised an eyebrow. "So?" An Jun Lie let out a breath.

"This cycle of fighting and killing will never yield results; it only leads to a vicious cycle. Many people hate Bai Lan Xue; those who betrayed her by following Karu hate her fiercely.

Sooner or later, they will take care of her. Even if we hate someone, we have no need to exact revenge personally; that only dirties our hands and corrupts our hearts." Zi Ye pondered for a moment.

"That actually makes some sense." An Jun Lie gently pulled her into his arms, resting his chin on her shoulder. "I don't want to wade into those murky waters again, nor do I wish for you to keep living a life of fighting and killing.

It isn't suitable for you. I only want you to be safe, graduate happily from school, and return to Wolf's Den to develop well." Zi Ye pouted.

"It's impossible for you to make me forgive you with just a few short sentences." An Jun Lie offered a wry smile. "Then what will it take for you to forgive me?" Zi Ye held out her hand.

"Cede territory, pay reparations, and apologize." An Jun Lie took her hand. "How much reparations?" Zi Ye replied, "I'm not short on money right now.

Settle it with people instead." An Jun Lie showed a moment of surprise, then understood. "You want an ammunition specialist from me?" Zi Ye chuckled mischievously.

"Exactly. Don't you have a place called the Ammunition Pulse Ministry?

It seems they have quite a few famous ammunition experts there." An Jun Lie pinched her cheek. "You really were plotting to fleece me; you even figured that out." Zi Ye puffed out her cheeks, glaring at him.

"Who told you not to tell me about Bai Lan Xue?" An Jun Lie inwardly cried foul. The cooperation involved three legions; it wasn't just his mouth doing the talking.

Red Hair hadn't told her either, and Tang Wen hadn't mentioned a word. Why was he the only one taking the blame?

Still, he could afford to give her one ammunition specialist. "Fine.

All the experts in our legion are bound by non-disclosure agreements, and poaching them temporarily might not guarantee trust. I'll compensate you with a small elite team of five chosen from the professional staff of ammunition companies." Zi Ye huffed.

"That’s more like it." An Jun Lie rubbed her head. "If you're satisfied, it's time to go to bed, or you won't have energy tomorrow." Zi Ye swatted his hand away.

"Wait two minutes." She opened the light screen and sent a group email to the high-level contacts: If you encounter professional ammunition experts or chemistry doctors, absolutely do not let them slip away; bring them back to strengthen the Ammunition Research Institute. After sending it, she contentedly headed back to her room to shower and sleep.

An Jun Lie walked her to the door. Seeing her walking straight in with her head down, he couldn't help but grab her.

"Is that how you leave?" Zi Ye stopped, realizing belatedly, and turned back. "What else should I do?" An Jun Lie didn't hold back; he slipped into the room in a flash, wrapped his arms around her, and kissed her fiercely.

Zi Ye tried to push him away, but his strength was too great, and she couldn't break free. He succeeded, pulling away with a lingering kiss, murmuring, "Zi Ye, you wicked, little fool." Zi Ye gave him a kick.

"Wicked my foot! Go back to bed." Instead of leaving, An Jun Lie used his foot to shut the door, leaning back against it, holding her tightly in his embrace.

He pleaded, "Don't be like this. I see you every day, but I can't hold you, can't kiss you.

It's worse than death for me." Zi Ye kept a straight face. "So what?" An Jun Lie lowered his voice.

"I regret it. I shouldn't have been named An Jun Lie; I should have been An Xiao Lie.

That way, I wouldn't have to be so gentlemanly with you; I could just resort to petty tactics." Zi Ye almost laughed in frustration. "If you have the guts, show me your petty tactics." An Jun Lie didn't speak, only held her tighter, burying his face in the hollow of her shoulder, greedily inhaling her scent.

His breath was hot and damp, washing over her neck. Her heart softened, and she patted his back.

"Be good, stop making a scene. I’m not leaving tomorrow; why are you so anxious?" An Jun Lie murmured low.

"I am anxious. Little Black and the others treat you like a goddess, and Yun Lan eyes you covetously.

I can't rest easy." Zi Ye: "..." It had to be said, sometimes a man's possessiveness was truly bizarre. Zi Ye felt unable to communicate with him.

"The Strategic Weapons Department is my passion; of course, I have to pour a lot of my energy into it. The Angelic Domain is yours; you also have countless things to do every day.

Living together long-term like this is hard. Now that we finally have a chance to spend quality time together, what more do you want?" An Jun Lie proposed, "Your Strategic Weapons Department headquarters is in the Xi Lian star system.

It only takes twenty minutes by shuttlecraft to get to my legion office. In the future, after I get off work, I'll take a shuttlecraft to come see you, okay?" Zi Ye looked up at him.

"Do you think that's appropriate? As the Commander, you wouldn't be sleeping in your own legion territory at night—is that suitable?

Besides, do you think you're an ordinary citizen? What if someone intercepts you at the border one day?" He was a grown man, but his thought process was still like a three-year-old's.

Zi Ye mentally scoffed, but ultimately held back from saying it aloud. An Jun Lie leaned down, pressing his face against hers.

"I've decided. Next year, I'm handing the Commander position over to Lan Li." Zi Ye shuddered, surprised.

"Why?" An Jun Lie explained, "I've been Commander for eight years; my term is almost up." For a legion to develop healthily and sustainably, one person couldn't lead it forever; that was the truth. But if a legion constantly changed commanders, it certainly wouldn't develop well either.

Currently, the terms for legion commanders were set between eight and ten years. An Jun Lie's decision wasn't entirely unexpected.

-RS